Dolphins see versatile Moreno as a 3-down back

MIAMI (AP) — Miami Dolphins newcomer Knowshon Moreno showed last year he can run, catch and block, and they're counting on him to do all three a lot. "Knowshon is a very talented back," general manager Dennis Hickey said Friday. "He's a three-down back who can help our team in lot of different...

MIAMI (AP) — Miami Dolphins newcomer Knowshon Moreno showed last year he can run, catch and block, and they're counting on him to do all three a lot.

"Knowshon is a very talented back," general manager Dennis Hickey said Friday. "He's a three-down back who can help our team in lot of different ways."

Moreno signed a $3.275 million, one-year contract to play for Miami after five seasons with the Denver Broncos. He helped them reach the Super Bowl last year when he rushed for 1,038 yards, caught 60 passes, scored 13 touchdowns and reinforced his reputation as a blocker of blitzing linebackers.

His catching skills should make him a valuable option for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who was sacked a franchise-record 58 times last year.

"As a running back, you want to be able to do it all," Moreno said. "You need a running back to be an outlet for the quarterback, and to run the ball. You have to be versatile."

The Broncos made Moreno the 12th overall pick in the 2009 draft, and he had his best season last year. But 2013 rookie Montee Ball made Moreno expendable in Denver.

"It is what it is," Moreno said. "It's a business. I'm just very excited to be part of another team with a great group of guys and coaches all coming in and building for a certain goal, and that goal is working hard and winning. I'm excited for that opportunity."

Moreno said he chose the Dolphins in part because of a positive visit with coach Joe Philbin and his staff. Philbin came under fire last year during the Dolphins' bullying scandal, but Moreno praised him by comparing him to Denver coach John Fox.

"Both family guys, both genuine guys, just good people," Moreno said. "You want to be surrounded by good people, and it's no different with the Dolphins."

Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas were the primary ball carriers last season for the Dolphins, who ranked 26th in the NFL in rushing. Both remain on the roster and may compete for the No. 2 job behind Moreno.